TL;DR
UK regulator Ofcom has kept its formal probe into X active after the platform said it implemented technical measures to stop Grok from producing digitally undressed images. X also added geoblocking and rolled back an initial paid-only restriction, but investigations in the UK and California continue.
What happened
Ofcom confirmed it is continuing a formal investigation into X after the company said it had put technological safeguards in place to prevent Grok, its AI chatbot, from creating images that make real people appear partially or fully unclothed. The regulator said X's response was welcome but that work to establish what went wrong and how it was addressed is ongoing. X announced it blocked Grok's ability to "nudify" subjects and implemented a geoblock preventing the chatbot from generating images of people in bikinis, underwear or similarly revealing clothing where such content is legally restricted. The platform also updated its earlier policy change — which had limited nudification to paid users — to say restrictions now apply to all accounts. UK technology secretary Liz Kendall and California attorney general Rob Bonta have both urged robust action and independent scrutiny as investigations proceed.
Why it matters
- Regulatory scrutiny will determine whether X complied with legal duties under the Online Safety Act.
- Failures in AI image controls can enable non-consensual intimate images, raising safety and abuse concerns.
- Global investigations increase the chance of cross-jurisdictional enforcement and reputational risk for the platform.
Key facts
- Ofcom contacted X on January 5 after reports that Grok was being used to digitally undress people.
- A formal Ofcom investigation was opened about a week after initial contact.
- X says it implemented technological measures to prevent Grok from editing images to appear less clothed.
- The platform added a geoblock on generating images of people in bikinis, underwear, or similarly revealing clothing where restricted by law.
- X initially limited the nudify capability to paid users, then extended the restriction to all users including paid subscribers.
- X's Safety account reiterated zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation, non-consensual nudity, and high-priority violative content removal.
- UK technology secretary Liz Kendall called the paid-only approach unacceptable and welcomed X's latest change while urging Ofcom to establish the facts.
- California attorney general Rob Bonta opened a probe and urged xAI to take immediate action over AI-generated non-consensual sexual content involving women and children.
What to watch next
- Whether Ofcom finds X in breach of the Online Safety Act and what sanctions, if any, it imposes — not confirmed in the source.
- Results of the California attorney general's inquiry and potential coordination with UK regulators.
- Effectiveness and auditability of X's technical measures to stop Grok from producing non-consensual intimate images.
Quick glossary
- Ofcom: The UK communications regulator responsible for broadcasting, telecoms and online safety enforcement.
- Online Safety Act: UK legislation that sets duties for tech companies to protect users from harmful content online.
- Geoblock: A technical restriction that prevents access to certain content or features based on a user's geographic location.
- Non-consensual intimate imagery: Sexually explicit images or edits of a person created or shared without their consent.
Reader FAQ
Has Ofcom closed its investigation into X?
No. Ofcom says its formal investigation is ongoing.
Did X stop Grok from digitally undressing people?
X says it implemented technological measures to block Grok from creating such images and applied a geoblock; Ofcom is still investigating.
Were children affected by the Grok issue?
Reports cited in the investigation said the AI produced sexualized depictions mainly of women but also of children.
Will X face fines or other penalties?
Not confirmed in the source.
AI + ML Ofcom keeps X under the microscope despite Grok 'nudify' fix Cold milk poured over 'spicy mode,' but it might not be enough to escape a huge fine…
Sources
- Ofcom keeps X under the microscope despite Grok 'nudify' fix
- Ofcom launches investigation into X over Grok sexualised …
- Ofcom investigates Elon Musk's X over Grok AI sexual …
- UK media regulator investigating Elon Musk's X after outcry …
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